Posted on June 1, 2025
Short abstract
Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs) are recognised as the best tested intervention for reducing problematic polypharmacy. They have been shown to help reduce the number of problematic or unnecessary medicines a patient is taking. However, studies indicate that most patients do not understand what an SMR is and receive limited information to help them understand or prepare. PCNs in areas of high deprivation were invited to apply for central funding of up to £1,500 to deliver a quality improvement pilot project using the Health Innovation Network’s SMR patient resources to specifically target seldom-heard patient groups at risk of polypharmacy and not engaging regularly with their GP practice.
Key findings from the pilots:
- Increased SMR activity: While direct comparison was challenging due to varying study periods, all participating PCNs saw an increase in SMRs completed. Across 27 PCNs, a total of 2,587 SMRs were completed during the study period.
- Reduced Did Not Attend (DNA) rates: Most areas were able to demonstrate a clear reduction in DNA rates for SMR appointments.
- Improved engagement with seldom-heard communities: 85% of PCN teams agreed that the Health Innovation Network patient-facing resources helped them engage with target communities. Specific examples include improved engagement with veterans, people with a learning disability, and those with English as a second language.
- Enhanced patient understanding and preparation: Half of respondents felt the materials helped patients better understand and prepare for their SMR, leading to improved quality of the review and increased likelihood of patients asking questions. Patient feedback confirmed that the materials helped them understand the reason for the SMR (67%), prepare for the appointment (58%), and share what was important to them (66%).
Citation
Howard C, Semple A. Improving access to structured medication teviews in seldom-heard communities. Health Innovation Network; 2025 June: 1-44.
